<p>We have family friends who moved to our area from South Africa several years ago. Some of them have been here for approximately 6 years ... some have been here for nearly two years. They have gone through the proper channels, completing paperwork, applying for green cards, etc. Those who have been here the longest have acquired their green cards, but those who have been here for a shorter time (2 years) have not. Their children (a high school junior and a high school senior) are very intersted in college, but they don't understand the entire process, especially given their status (aliens?). Can someone please explain to me what process they should follow? Although they live in the states, but are not legal residents, should they apply as international students? Any information you can share would be so very helpful! Thanks!</p>
<p><strong><em>bump</em></strong></p>
<p>Splashmom:</p>
<p>Perhaps the best thing to do would be to call an admission officer at a college and pose the question. This is particularly important if they will be applying for financial aid as well. My hunch is that they would have to apply as internationals, but that is only a hunch.</p>
<p>I know a kid with a related situation-- illegal alien, brought into USA as a little kid. She was admitted to Nebraska & got a full scholarship. I think it is pretty tricky; I wonder if there is any info on the International Forum?</p>
<p>SplashMom:</p>
<p>Yes, the kids who do not have the green cards will have to apply as international students. We were in the same position when applying.</p>
<p>If finaid is required, they will have to face more competition (for example: in Lehigh, admission rate is 38%, but for internationals it's about 4%). Five or seven colleges (Harvard, Middlebury, Princeton, Williams, ...) are need-blind for internationals, but most of the US colleges are not. Many colleges do not give finaid to internationals at all.</p>
<p>Despite the fact that they are intls, they may qualify for in-state tuition in their state colleges (depending on the state's laws and their visa status). In CA, they would qualify if they have H visa and lived in the state for a year. But in many states, they will be considered out-of-state no matter how long they lived there and paid taxes. Public colleges usually do not give any finaid to internationals.</p>
<p>If the kid has the green card, he is not international and is eligible for the same benefits as US citizen.</p>
<p>Check with an immigration attorney. This is important. There are very specific rules for being international students in college, how many classes, etc. Since 9-11, it is much stricter. Also, there is some work restrictions. I am not sure how they all work, but it would be worth a little bit of money to get all the correct information from an attorney. As, well, when the students turn 18, they must get their own green cards. My niece had let hers expire and was almost no let back into the country after taking her grandmother back to Ireland.</p>
<p>After they get their green cards, their status as students may change. </p>
<p>This situation is worth talking to a professional to make sure the students do everything correctly.</p>
<p>The colleges may not have all the information needed as some have green cards, some are not yet 18, what you need to do to qualify for a student visa if that is necessary, etc.</p>
<p>Its not hard, just a bit complicated.</p>
<p>They actually don't have to change their visa to F-1 in some cases. If they are, say, H-4 or have "adjustment of status" (green card application pending) - they might prefer to keep their status, depending on their circumstances.</p>
<p>And they are eligible to get the green cards as dependents of their parents up to age of 21.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the info. I will definitely suggest they check with the admissions offices at the colleges in which they are intersted. Thanks again ... I knew I could count on the CC community. :)</p>
<p>Don't just check with the colleges, that is not enough. Their information may not be complete. This is complicated and they need to get proper advice so they can plan accordingly. </p>
<p>Do they someone working with them for the green cards and such? THey may have the answers you seek. Once something is "chosen" - student visa, green card, it may be easy or hard to switch, so they need to be aware of ALL of the ramifications from each option. The admin people may not have the current information. This is too important to just ask the schools, imo.</p>